conversation - The Latremie Post

Silver Peso owner provides update on Larkspur bar

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the busiest night of the year for the Silver Peso, when lines snake down the block and locals pack the Larkspur dive bar for late-night reunion revelry. But this year, the 64-year-old watering hole remains closed. In May, a car crashed into the back of the two-story building, one of downtown Larkspur’s oldest commercial properties, causing structural damage that forced the extended shutdown. Owner Rebel Lee, who worked as a bartender at the Peso for more than a decade before buying it in 2015, shared in a Facebook update this month that 450 Magnolia Avenue is in the process of being sold, and he is working with attorneys to preserve the bar’s lease. “My understanding is the new landlords will repair the damage and get us open as soon as possible,” wrote Lee, mentioning the hardship on his staff. “If you see them working somewhere else, buying groceries, coffee, etc., maybe offer to help them if you can, even if it’s not monetary. None of this is any of their faults.” Lee told me in a phone conversation this week that the sale may close as soon as this week, though the bar’s future remains uncertain. “I don’t know the new owners well, but it’s my understanding that they have no interest in purchasing the business,” he said. “The Silver Peso is a historical landmark, and I don’t believe it can be anything other than a bar.” Lee says he’ll update the Silver Peso Facebook page when there’s news to share. “I’m not quite sure what to expect, but I know it’s not going to be a wine bar,” said Lee, referring to a prevailing rumor. “Since I got the business, my motto has always been the longevity of the Peso and that it will remain in effect long after my ownership. I’ve been there 24 years, and it’s been good to me, so I would like to do it justice.”.
https://www.marinij.com/2025/11/25/silver-peso-owner-provides-update-on-larkspur-bar/

I quit JPMorgan and took a 70% pay cut. It was a scary decision, but I finally feel meaningfully busy, not calendar busy.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Meet Semlani, a 33-year-old startup cofounder based in India. It’s been edited for length and clarity. I was two years into my time at JPMorgan when I realized how disillusioned I’d become with my life. It felt robotic. I was following the motto “30 VP,” a phrase I’d heard at the company. It means the goal is to reach vice president status by the age of 30. I’d seen my seniors have these glamorous investment banking careers, so that’s what I thought I was supposed to do. At 26, every day felt the same. I’d be in the office by 9 a. m., go to the same meetings, do the same actions, and leave at 7p. m. During that time, I lost friends and relationships. On a whim, I signed up for a 10-day silent meditation retreat with the intention of taking a digital detox, and came back with the clarity that it was time to quit. My time at JPMorgan shaped my career, but quitting helped me redefine success and eventually raise over $6 million for my startup. I was chasing a goal that wasn’t mine at JP Morgan I started working at JPMorgan in 2015 as an intern on a US visa. Later, I moved back to India and became an associate within the asset management department. I was focused on climbing the corporate ladder. At the same time, I felt like every conversation with coworkers was about having kids, buying a house, paying loans, and planning for the future. But I didn’t see a future for myself at JPMorgan. I had just grown accustomed to the status, validation, and money it provided. I wanted to make a real impact and keep learning, but I was afraid to quit. I had associated my identity with working at JP Morgan If I went to an event and said I worked at JPMorgan, it meant something. People seemed more curious about me when they learned where I worked. I liked the validation and didn’t want to give it up. The idea of leaving a good salary was also a hesitation. I got used to buying the best gadgets and going to nice restaurants. I definitely experienced some lifestyle creep, and I wasn’t sure how I’d maintain my habits without that salary. I knew I needed a break from work I had no idea what to expect going into the meditation retreat. There were no screens, no talking, just breathing. The first few days felt depressing, but when I really settled into the meditation, it gave me space to question everything. I asked myself, “Do I really want to live like this? Is this how I want to be known?” The answer was no. I questioned what’s the worst that could happen if I left JPMorgan, and kept coming back to the idea that, no matter what happens, at least I’m not dead. When I returned home, I felt a sense of calm and a knowingness that I was ready to let go of my job. I didn’t know what was next for me, but I knew it was time to forge a new identity. The day I returned to work, I told my manager I was thinking about quitting. I ultimately stayed a few more months, until February 2018, to hand over my work as smoothly as possible and ensure the team wouldn’t be negatively impacted. I took a 70% pay cut to work for a startup that fulfilled me I was living with my parents rent-free at the time, but I still had some expenses. That’s when I began looking into startups. I applied to some jobs and ultimately got hired as a customer service associate at a startup. I really resonated with its mission of helping international students go abroad through scholarships, loans, or grants, because of my shared experience as an international student, which motivated me to take a 70% pay cut from JPMorgan. I had to scale down on a lot of things I was doing before, like eating out at nice restaurants and traveling, which was tough. There were even moments where I considered going back to JPMorgan because of it, but I’m so glad I stayed. The learning and access I had in a startup environment were unbeatable Being able to grab coffee with the CEO, share ideas, and see decisions happen in real time changed me. It was a real startup hustle, and I was actually building things, not just attending meetings. I felt meaningfully busy, not just calendar busy. That’s when it clicked for me that success isn’t only about money or titles. If I focused on becoming truly competent and useful, the success and money would eventually find their way. In late 2019, the startup was having fundraising issues, and I was asked to leave. It came as a bit of a shock, and I felt like I hit a professional roadblock. I thought about going back to a secure role at a place like JPMorgan, but I realized I wouldn’t fit into a structured setup again. The pandemic hit shortly after, and oddly, it gave me time to explore ideas. I decided to go all in on my startup idea as a cofounder. Leaving JP Morgan helped me redefine success The early days of fundraising and building were hard. There was a point in time about six months in where I went to bed crying every day, thinking, “When will this end?” But I’d wake up the next morning and remember that this is what I signed up for. This is what I wanted to do. Since then, our startup has raised over $6 million from global investors and we’ve built Tartan into a leading data-infrastructure platform. I still feel like JPMorgan was an integral part of my career. It shaped me into becoming disciplined and structured. Sometimes I think about what my life would be like if I stayed there. I’d probably be a managing director with a corner office, but that’s not what success looks like to me anymore. These days, success isn’t about title, big paychecks, or nice things. It’s not even about chasing a goal 10 years down the line. It’s about what keeps me going every day. If I’m waking up in the morning smiling and going to sleep smiling, I think I’m good. Do you have a story to share about taking a risky or unconventional career pivot? If so, please reach out to this reporter at tmartinelli@businessinsider. com.
https://www.businessinsider.com/quitting-jpmorgan-risky-move-helped-launch-startup-redefine-success-2025-11

Jury to decide fate of three defendants in Natchez ambush-style double homicide

NATCHEZ Closing arguments are set to begin Saturday at 8 a. m. in trial of three defendants charged with two counts each of first-degree murder in the ambush-style slayings of Brandon Brooks and Taron Woods. Emanuel Hall, Jadarrius McKnight and Jamarron Perkins are on trial for two counts of first-degree murder in the shooting deaths in Sixth District Circuit Court Judge Carmen Drake’s Adams County courtroom. A jury was seated on Wednesday, and testimony began in the trial on Thursday. On Friday, Sixth Circuit District Attorney Tim Cotton and his prosecutors rested their case, as did the defense without calling a single witness. During testimony, prosecutors detailed the day of the murders. Brooks and Woods, both 24 at the time, were sitting outside on the side of Woods home at 44 Myrtle Drive in the Morgantown area of Natchez on Aug. 10, 2023, enjoying casual conversation, video from a security camera at the home shows. Seemingly out of nowhere, three men dressing in black, including hoodies and masks obscuring their faces and wearing dark-colored gloves, stepped from around parked cars in the driveway of the home and opened fire using assault-type rifles. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Larry Baker, who has the lead on the case, showed the shocking video to jurors and others in the courtroom twice on Friday once during the testimony of Chief Stanley Searcy of the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and again late in the afternoon when Woods’ father, Trevin Woods, testified about the violent deaths of his son and his son’s long-time friend. Choking back tears, Woods described working on a dump truck in front of his home when his grease gun stopped working. He was concentrating on repairing that tool when out of the corner of his eye he spotted a person dressed in black making his way in a stealthy fashion to the side of the house where his son and his friend were sitting. Then, Woods said he heard a barrage of gunfire. “I heard a whole lot of gunfire coming from behind me. I was between the dump truck and the pickup truck and the gunfire was coming from behind me,” Woods said. He testified he did not know exactly the number of shots or rounds that were fired. “It was a long time. It was quite a few rounds,” he said. Woods testified to seeing a older-model black Infiniti speeding away down the street. He quickly went to the side of his house, where Brooks and his son had been sitting and talking. On the video, Woods is shown discovering his bullet-riddled son and his son’s friend. His cries of anguish can be heard on the security video when he realized both are dead. “I just looked for some kind of life, but I didn’t see any. I called 911,” he said. Woods testified neighbors began to come to his home, having heard the gunfire. His wife, who was not home at the time, returned soon after the shooting. “I was trying to stop her from coming around the side of the house, but I couldn’t. She wanted to see for herself,” he said. Earlier in the day, Searcy walked prosecutors through the process he and other ACSO investigators used to collect evidence and develop leads. He said as many as 14 names emerged as persons of interest early in the investigation, but through verifying locations and using information from anonymous tips left on Crime Stoppers as well as information from confidential informants, three names those of the defendants could not be ruled out. In addition, Zackeri Reason, who was 18 at the time, eventually led police to the location of the stolen Infiniti vehicle used in the crime. Reason has been charged as an accessory before the fact in the Brooks and Woods shootings. Reason is also currently serving time with the Mississippi Department of Corrections on two counts of aggravated assault in a Jefferson County case. He was initially also charged with first-degree murder, but accepted a plea deal that dropped that charge. Searcy wrote in his report about Reason’s hours-long interview and discussed on the stand Friday that Reason was not being truthful during his initial interrogation. Searcy said during that interrogation, he took a break after hours of questioning. When Searcy returned, he said Reason changed his story. It was Reason who led them to the black Infiniti vehicle, Searcy said. Reason took the stand at approximately 3: 30 p. m. on Friday. He admitted to lying multiple time to Searcy during the interrogation. Reason said he was trying to tell Searcy anything he could that would let him go home. However, Reason said after the break in his interrogation he told Searcy the truth. Reason said Jadarrius McKnight asked him to help move the Infiniti from Daisy Street to Airport Road. In addition, Reason said before the day of the murders, Emanuel Hall asked him to pick up Hall up in “The Heights.” Reason testified when he picked up Hall, he was carrying a duffle back and two long-guns, which he called assault rifles. Further, Reason said the three defendants had been to his house on the morning of the murders. After leaving, they “drove in the direction of Airport Road.” Reason also testified that Hall and McKnight asked him to set the Infiniti on fire, but he did not do it. Instead, he was able to lead Searcy to the location of vehicle. Investigators discovered the Infiniti had been stolen. Reason said McKnight bought it off of some teenagers who had stolen it. Reason testified that he lied to Searcy because those who talk to police wind up dead. Upon cross examination, defense attorneys worked to impeach Reason’s testimony. They were able to make him admit that he is a frequent liar. Reason admitted he does not always know when he is lying and when he is not. Further, Attorney Zach Jex, who is representing Jamarion Perkins, got Reason to admit he had not seen Perkins involved with the Infiniti, with any guns or other planning of the crime. After Trevin Woods’ testimony, the state rested its case. Defense attorneys rested their cases without presenting any witnesses. They did asked Drake for a directed verdict based on insufficient evidence for a charge of first-degree murder. Drake said the case is a circumstantial one and said evidence does exist for the jury to use to decide the case.
https://www.natchezdemocrat.com/news/jury-to-decide-fate-of-three-defendants-in-natchez-ambush-style-double-homicide-74cf88b6

“I feel Sai will come in” – R Ashwin predicts two changes for Team India ahead of IND vs SA 2025 2nd Test

Spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin predicted two changes in India’s playing 11 for the second Test against South Africa. They are hosting the Proteas for a two-match series. The second Test will begin on November 22 in Guwahati. India lost the first Test by 30 runs in Kolkata. In what came as a huge blow, captain Shubman Gill has reportedly been released from the squad following the neck injury he sustained during the first Test. Ashwin reckoned that Sai Sudharsan would replace Gill for the second Test. He added that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy could come in for Axar Patel. The veteran reflected that there was no need for four spinners in the side and believed that it caused problems for the hosts in the first Test. “I feel Sai will come in the place of Gill and Nitish for Axar Patel. If you want variety in the spin, there is enough variety with Jadeja, Washi, and Kuldeep. I am not saying it is a huge mistake but if you have more options, you can get confused in contemplating giving spinners more chances. If Axar did not play in Kolkata, Pant would have started with Bumrah. If you are playing Nitish, you have to be very clear about who your strike bowlers will be,” he said on ‘Ash Ki Baat’. In the same conversation, discarded India batter Ajinkya Rahane stated that bringing in Nitish Kumar Reddy for Gill would mean having an extra all-rounder. He reckoned that Gill should be replaced only by a pure batter. Sai Sudharsan played in the second Test against the West Indies and did well. He scored 87 in the first innings and 39 in the second. However, he was dropped for the first Test against South Africa. Ajinkya Rahane on what Rishabh Pant needs to do as India captain in the second Test With Shubman Gill ruled out of the second Test, Rishabh Pant will lead in his absence in Guwahati. Pant led the team in Kolkata as well after Gill did not take part after the first innings, having retired hurt. Ajinkya Rahane reckoned that it would be important for Pant to plan well and back his abilities as a captain. He added that Pant would have to give players the confidence and believe in his methods. “Rishabh has to back his style and methods. It is important to plan as well. You need to have three or four options ready. It is not possible without planning. The opposition is also a quality team. They will want to win the series. So Rishabh will have to back his ability and his methods. He will have to give the players some confidence. There is no time in a two-match series,” he said. India are in a must-win situation going into the second Test. Having lost in Kolkata, they cannot afford to lose in Guwahati as it would result in a 2-0 series whitewash. The hosts will aim to draw level and come back strong.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-i-feel-sai-will-come-in-r-ashwin-predicts-two-changes-team-india-ahead-ind-vs-sa-2025-2nd-test

The Game Awards 2025 nominees & how to vote

We’re almost at the end of 2025, giving us another fantastic year of gaming. As we round into the final months of the year, there’s little left other than to talk about Game of the Year, and Geoff Keighley’s The Game Awards once again returns to stir up that conversation in December. This week, the nominees were announced, with the show committee submitting their picks for this year’s categories. Read on to see what made it in for each award and how to vote on the final winners. Last updated on November 17, 2025 at 9: 10 p. m. PT. How to vote for The Game Awards 2025 nominees The Game Awards nominees and voting were shared today in a special presentation. Twitch, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter/X accounts are valid for voting. Once you’re logged in, you can move along to casting your ballot per category. The site may be bogged down in the early hours after nominees are announced. Bear in mind, you only get to make one choice per category, per login, so make it count. The Game Awards 2025 nominees Below is the list of The Game Awards 2025 categories and nominees. The list is broken down alphabetically with the exception of the most-sought award, Game of the Year, at the top. Game of the Year Best Action Game Best Action/Adventure Game Most Anticipated Game Best Adaptation Best Art Direction Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Ghost of Yotei Hades 2 Hollow Knight: Silksong Best Audio Design Battlefield 6 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Death Stranding 2: On the Beach Ghost of Yotei Silent Hill f Best Community Support Content Creator of the Year Best Debut Indie Game Best Esports Game Best Esports Athlete Best Esports Team Best Family Game Best Fighting Game Best Game Direction Games for Impact Best Indie Game Innovation in Accessibility Best Mobile Game Destiny Rising Persona 5: The Phantom X Sonic Rumble Umamusume: Pretty Derby Wuthering Waves Best Multiplayer Game Best Narrative Best Ongoing Game Final Fantasy 14 Fortnite Helldivers 2 Marvel Rivals No Man’s Sky Best Performance Ben Starr as Verso (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33) Charlie Cox as Gustave (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33) Erika Ishii as Atsu (Ghost of Yotei) Jennifer English as Maelle (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33) Konatsu Kato as Shimizu Hinako (Silent Hill f) Troy Baker as Indiana Jones (Indiana Jones and the Great Circle) Best Role-Playing Game Best Score and Music Christopher Larkin (Hollow Knight: Silksong) Darren Korb (Hades 2) Lorien Testard (Clair Obscur: Expedition 33) Toma Otowa (Ghost of Yotei) Woodkid & Ludvig Forssell (Death Stranding 2: On the Beach) Best Sports/Racing Game Best Strategy/Sim Game Best VR/AR Game.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146854/the-game-awards-2025-nomimees-voting

The Game Awards 2025 nominees & how to vote

Kam Williams settling into his role, but Mark Pope wants more

On the same day Kentucky basketball played Tennessee in the Sweet 16 this past March, they landed a commit in the transfer portal in Kam Williams from Tulane. A sharpshooter with the Green Wave last season, Williams initially struggled through the Wildcats’ exhibition games and first couple of regular-season matchups.

However, a five-point performance at Louisville on Tuesday, which included a 3-pointer, may have put him on track to become the player Kentucky fans believe he can be.

Williams spoke after Kentucky’s 99-53 victory over Eastern Illinois on Friday night about the role he envisions for himself this season.

“Make 3s and play defense. If I’m not hitting 3s, do something else,” Williams said. “I can’t really be upset when I’m missing shots, because I can contribute in other ways on defense. I can still bring energy.”

On Friday night, Williams made two 3-pointers while also contributing two rebounds, an assist, and a steal. For the season, he has accumulated 13 points and 12 rebounds. He is shooting 5-for-12 from the field, including 3-for-10 from beyond the arc, but has been hotter recently — going 3-for-5 from deep over his last two games.

Head coach Mark Pope shared that he hoped the team would be further along in terms of defining their identity at this point in the season. Regarding Pope’s comments on players embracing their “special sauce” and unique skill sets to love their game, Williams responded:

“Really just staying in myself, not trying to do anything outside of what I was brought here for,” he said. “Everybody has a role. NBA players have a role. Trying to step out of your role is where mistakes and accidents happen.”

Following Kentucky’s loss to Louisville, Pope expressed pride in Williams’ effort and emphasized his hopes for the sophomore’s continued improvement.

“I have the same conversation with Kam every single day, and that is about him being more aggressive, more assertive, and more physical,” Pope said.

With Jaland Lowe out, Kentucky will undoubtedly need Williams to step up as the season progresses.
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/kam-williams-settling-role-mark-110900367.html

General Hospital Wednesday, November 12 Recap: Dalton Busts Rocco in the Lab, Danny & Charlotte Panic

**General Hospital (GH) Recap: Wednesday, November 12**

On Wednesday’s episode of *General Hospital*, Professor Henry “Hank” Dalton (Daniel Goddard) caught Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) trespassing in the lab. Meanwhile, Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn) and Charlotte Cassadine (Bluesy Burke) were panicking over the situation.

Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) arrived with Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard) and Jason Morgan (Steve Burton), anxious to know if Ned Quartermaine (Wally Kurth) was going to be okay. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) was frank about Ned’s critical “widowmaker” heart condition and felt Portia Robinson (Brook Kerr) was being overly cautious by delaying his bypass surgery, which Britt insisted needed to happen immediately.

Portia pulled Britt aside to admonish her for alarming the family and reminded her that the decision wasn’t hers to make. Jason eventually escorted Britt away and took her to Bobbie’s, where she vented about her job frustrations. Britt blamed Jason for making her return to Port Charles, but he offered her a pep talk. Jason was clearly glad Britt was back and assumed Ned felt the same, as she had saved his life.

Back at General Hospital, it was decided that Ned’s surgery should proceed as soon as possible. Brook Lynn also learned that Giovanni “Gio” Palmieri (Giovanni Mazza) had played a significant role in saving Ned. Hearing Gio affectionately call Ned “Grandpa” moved Brook Lynn deeply. In a quiet moment with Emma Scorpio-Drake (Braedyn Bruner), Gio expressed regret over the time he had wasted not getting to know Ned better. Although Gio worried their earlier bonding might be all he’d get, Emma remained hopeful, stating that Ned was a true fighter.

Meanwhile, Rocco, Danny, and Charlotte broke into the research lab using Britt’s stolen key fob. The teens were surprised to find no animals being tested but continued to search the lab anyway. Danny had more at stake, already being in trouble and barred from seeing Scout Quartermaine (Cosette Abinante), but he refused to abandon Rocco and Charlotte during the search.

When they heard Dalton approaching, the teens quickly turned off the lights and hid. As it became clear Dalton was going to find Danny and Charlotte, Rocco sacrificed himself by making noise, drawing Dalton’s attention. Dalton confronted Rocco and took him out of the lab, threatening arrest for breaking and entering. Rocco’s selfless act ensured that Danny and Charlotte were not caught, which they acknowledged once alone in the lab.

Soon after, Danny and Charlotte arrived at Bobbie’s with updates on Rocco. Both Jason and Britt were stunned to learn that Rocco had been busted for the lab break-in the teens had conducted.

In Alexis Davis’ (Nancy Lee Grahn) office, Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison) praised her for securing Willow Tait’s (Katelyn MacMullen) release. Drew expressed his desire to focus on clearing Willow’s name and ensuring Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson) is held accountable for shooting him. Alexis argued that they needed to present multiple suspects and insisted she only had one chance to get Willow off the hook.

Still, Drew believed Michael was to blame and brought Martin Grey (Michael E. Knight) in as co-counsel to help make that case. Alexis later spoke privately with Martin and persuaded him to her way of thinking. Martin agreed to try convincing Drew as well but warned Alexis to brace herself for Drew’s wrath if the Willow defense strategy failed in court.

At Metro Court Gardens, Wiley Corinthos (Viron Weaver) spotted Willow from afar and ran into her arms. Willow then approached a table where Michael and Jacinda Bracken (Paige Hershell) were sitting with Wiley, creating tension. Willow took subtle jabs at Jacinda before learning she was Nina Reeves’ (Cynthia Watros) new assistant. This led Willow to suspect Michael had something to do with Jacinda’s arrival.

Michael suggested it was time to head home and get Wiley to bed, but Wiley insisted Jacinda should come along so she could meet his stuffed spider. Once Michael and Jacinda agreed, Willow’s frustration grew.

Willow then privately confronted Michael, accusing him of letting Wiley be around an escort and ranting that she knew he planted the gun in her room. After the tense exchange with Willow, Michael shared a more pleasant moment with Jacinda in the Quartermaine kitchen, admitting he wanted the kids to meet Jacinda and confirming their alibi was airtight.

Willow later complained to Drew about the encounter with Michael. Drew remained confident Michael would be held responsible for shooting him, which would mean Willow could regain custody of the kids.

Despite Laura Collins’ (Genie Francis) disapproval over Martin changing Monica Quartermaine’s (Leslie Charleson) will, she appreciated his support ahead of the upcoming mayoral debate. There was also talk about Laura possibly appointing Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna) as PCPD’s interim police commissioner in place of Anna Devane (Finola Hughes).

Laura was concerned that Ezra Boyle (Daniel Cosgrove) would use Dante’s mobster family connections against her and worried about Rocco getting caught in the crossfire, given he was both her grandson and Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) grandson.

Laura exchanged barbs with Ezra before Dalton arrived and dragged Rocco in, calling for his arrest over the lab break-in.

**General Hospital spoilers** promise that Laura will have some fires to put out following these events, so stay tuned!
https://www.celebdirtylaundry.com/2025/general-hospital-wednesday-november-12-recap-dalton-busts-rocco-in-the-lab-danny-charlotte-panic/

Ex-Terrorist Leader Goes On Fox News, Gives Wild Answer About 9/11

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa deflected responsibility for the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks during a Fox News interview on Monday. Nearly 3,000 people died across New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pa., during the 9/11 attacks, according to the Pew Research Center.

When asked directly on “Special Report with Bret Baier” if he regrets the attack, al-Sharaa distanced himself entirely from the event.

“I was only 19 years old, so I was a very young person, and I didn’t have any decision-making power at that time, and I don’t have anything to do with it,” al-Sharaa said. “And al-Qaeda was not present right then in my area. So you’re speaking to the wrong person about this subject.”

The Syrian leader then shifted the conversation.

**WATCH:** “We mourn for every civilian that got killed, and we know that people suffer from the war, especially civilians who pay the price, a hefty price for the war,” al-Sharaa said.

President Donald Trump hosted al-Sharaa at the White House on Monday, welcoming the former al-Qaeda member who once fought U.S. forces in Iraq and served time in Abu Ghraib prison. The U.S. government removed al-Sharaa from its terror list just days before his meeting with Trump, according to CBS News.

Al-Sharaa, who led a rebel coalition that toppled Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024 while heading the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has since recast himself as a pro-Western reformer. Legacy media outlets have described his government as “moderate” compared to Assad’s rule.

*(RELATED: Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa Shoots Hoops With US Military Officials Ahead Of White House Visit)*

The visit marks the first time a Syrian head of state has entered the White House since Syria gained independence in 1946, NPR reported. Trump, during a speech in Saudi Arabia, said in May that he would lift U.S. sanctions on Syria.

—

*All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline, and their DCNF affiliation.*

*For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.*
https://dailycaller.com/2025/11/11/ahmed-al-sharaa-fox-news-911/

Where to find the key to the door in the cellar – Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

After searching the cellar during the **Anamnesis** quest in *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2*, you will encounter a locked door that blocks your progress. To continue, you need to find the key to this cellar door. However, the game provides no clear hint about where to find the key. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you locate it and move forward in the quest.

### Finding the Cellar Door Key

The first step is to speak with **Zdenyek**, who can be found at the north end of the monastery grounds. Talk to him about **Blazhena**. Zdenyek will mention that he suspected Blazhena of stealing food since only the two of them had keys to the pantry where the food was stored. He’d actually planned to get rid of her before she fell ill. He’ll ask you to promise not to tell anyone about his suspicions.

Next, find **Valerie**, the blonde maid nearby. Before you check her, it’s important to note that if you talk to Valerie first, she’ll refuse to speak openly in front of Zdenyek. So instead, head over to Blazhena’s room, which she shares with Valerie.

### Searching Blazhena’s Room

Blazhena’s room is in the small building at the top of the courtyard. Enter through the back right door and then go upstairs. Blazhena’s bed is the one closest to the window. Check the chest at the foot of her bed—you’ll find a large amount of money inside, suspiciously too much for a maid.

On a shelf near the head of the bed, you will find the **pantry key**. Take this key and then go back to talk to Valerie.

### Talking to Valerie and Investigating the Pantry

Valerie will tell you that she witnessed Zdenyek taking something from Blazhena’s chest and being harsh toward her. She also reveals the existence of a nearby cellar that Zdenyek often visits, which turns out to be the pantry. This pantry location will now be marked on your map.

Head to the pantry and thoroughly explore all three rooms. Examine the wine barrels, tubs of water, and crates in each room. Some areas will require lockpicking to access.

After investigating, Henry will realize that Zdenyek has been watering down the monastery’s wine. It’s time to confront him.

### Confronting Zdenyek

When you confront him, Zdenyek will ask to speak privately in a nearby field. You’ll have the choice to go with him or refuse. It is recommended to go with him if you want to obtain a weapon.

In the field, Zdenyek will attempt to attack you. Defend yourself and defeat him. Once he’s subdued, demand his axe. He will also surrender the key to the cellar door, which he took from Blazhena’s chest.

### Final Step

With the key in hand, return to the main cellar where you first found the secret door. You can now unlock the door and continue your investigation.

—

Following these steps will help you progress in the Anamnesis quest and uncover more about the unfolding mystery at the monastery. Good luck!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146745/where-to-find-the-key-to-the-cellar-door-kingdom-come-deliverance-2